Trunk mounted automotive network server with wireless data capability

ABSTRACT

An automotive server arrangement includes an infotainment head unit disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An antenna is associated with the vehicle. At least one audio speaker is associated with the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A network server is disposed in-between the head unit and the antenna. The network server includes a processor and an amplifier disposed within a common housing. The amplifier drives at least one audio speaker. The processor is connected to the head unit and to the antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/844,926, filed, on Jul. 28, 2010 which is currently under allowance,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to automotive infotainmentsystems. In particular, the present invention relates to automotiveinfotainment systems with internet connectivity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

State of the art automotive infotainment systems require wirelessinternet capability to provide advanced features and applications to theend user. Some automotive systems provide these internet-based servicesthrough the end user's cell phone via Bluetooth. Other systems use anembedded modem connected to the head unit, or a separate wirelessconnectivity module. In the future, all automotive system designs willinclude wireless internet connectivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a trunk-mountedamplifier with wireless capability, thereby enabling an automotiveinfotainment system to have internet connectivity. The microprocessorand/or digital signal processor (DSP) in the remote amplifier may run(transmission control protocol/internet protocol) TCP/IP stack, asrequired for internet connectivity, as well as perform audio processing.A high speed bi-directional network may be provided between the remoteamplifier and the infotainment head unit in the passenger compartment.The high speed bi-directional network may enable data to be sent to, andreceived from, the internet. The head unit may provide the human machineinterface that may be used for user input.

The remote amplifier microprocessor or DSP may provide the processingpower for the wireless communication receiver (e.g., WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Long Term Evolution(LTE), WiFi, High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), etc.). Theremote amplifier may also provide power to the wireless receiver.

The invention comprises, in one particular embodiment, an automotiveserver arrangement including an audio head unit disposed in a passengercompartment of a vehicle. An antenna is associated with the vehicle. Atleast one audio speaker is associated with the passenger compartment ofthe vehicle. A network server is disposed in-between the head unit andthe antenna. The network server includes a processor and an amplifierdisposed within a common housing. The amplifier drives at least oneaudio speaker. The processor is connected to the head unit and to theantenna.

The invention comprises, in another particular embodiment, an automotiveserver arrangement including an infotainment head unit disposed in apassenger compartment of a vehicle. An antenna is attached to a body ofthe vehicle and wirelessly transmits and receives signals in aninternet-compatible format. At least one audio speaker is associatedwith the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A network server isdisposed in a trunk of the vehicle and includes a processor and anamplifier disposed within a common housing. The amplifier drives atleast one audio speaker. The processor is connected to the head unit viaa high speed automotive network. The processor is connected to theantenna and runs TCP/IP stacks for communicating via the internet. Theprocessor has an operational speed of over 400 million instructions persecond.

The invention comprises, in yet another particular embodiment, a methodof providing infotainment within a vehicle. An infotainment head unit isprovided within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. An antenna isattached to a body of the vehicle. The antenna is used to wirelesslytransmit and receive signals in an internet-compatible format. At leastone audio speaker is associated with the passenger compartment of thevehicle. A network server is provided including a processor and anamplifier disposed within a common housing. The network server isinstalled in a trunk of the vehicle. The amplifier of the network serveris used to drive at least one audio speaker. The processor of thenetwork server is connected to the head unit via a high speed automotivenetwork. The processor of the network server is connected to theantenna. The processor is used to run TCP/IP stacks for communicatingvia the internet. The processor operates at a speed of over 400 millioninstructions per second.

An advantage of the present invention is that it may provide a proximateconnection to wireless antennas and receivers at a more convenientlocation and with better performance.

Another advantage of the invention is that it may accommodate a greaternumber of audio channels (e.g., up to twelve or even more). By providingan external audio amplifier, excessive heat near the head end unit maybe avoided. Such excessive heat may otherwise result from a high numberof audio channels. The heat of the amplifier may instead be disposed ata remote location where the heat may be less harmful.

Yet another advantage is that a remote network server allows more roomin the front dashboard for larger displays, removes sources of heat, andsimplifies the automotive system wiring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the presentinvention, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and bebetter understood by reference to the following description of oneembodiment of the invention in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an automotive serverarrangement of the present invention with wireless inputs and a wirednetwork connection;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of an automotive serverarrangement of the present invention with wireless inputs and a wirelessnetwork connection;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a networked automotiveserver of the of the present invention, suitable for use in either ofthe arrangements of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including an automotiveserver arrangement of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of providing infotainment within avehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, andsuch exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting in any mannerthe scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart which may be related to various aspects of the present inventionwhich are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed tobe helpful in providing the reader with background information tofacilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statementsare to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

FIG. 1 is one embodiment of an automotive server arrangement 100 of theinvention with wireless inputs and a wired network connection.Arrangement 100 includes a front display 112, a network server 114,antenna(s) 116, a battery 118, speakers 120, a controller-area network(CAN) vehicle bus 122, and rear displays 124 a-b. Front display 112 maybe included in a head end unit (not shown) disposed in the passengercompartment of the vehicle (e.g., in the dashboard). Network server 114may be disposed in the trunk of the vehicle. As discussed in greaterdetail below, network server 114 may include an amplifier for drivingspeakers 120.

Network server 114 may be connected to front display 112 and to one orboth of rear displays 124 a-b via a high speed automotive network, suchas Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST), Firewire, or Ethernet, forexample. Rear displays 124 a-b may be connected to each other via thesame high speed automotive network.

FIG. 2 is another embodiment of an automotive server arrangement 200 ofthe invention with wireless inputs and a wireless network connection.Arrangement 200 includes a front display 212, a network server 214,antenna(s) 216, a battery 218, speakers 220, a controller-area network(CAN) vehicle bus 222, and rear displays 224 a-b. Front display 212 maybe included in a head end unit (not shown) disposed in the passengercompartment of the vehicle (e.g., in the dashboard). Network server 214may be disposed in the trunk of the vehicle, although it is possible forserver 214 to be disposed anywhere in the vehicle. As discussed ingreater detail below, network server 214 may include an amplifier fordriving speakers 220.

Network server 214 may be connected to front display 212 and to reardisplays 224 a-b via a wireless network, such as WiFi, for example. Reardisplays 224 a-b may be connected to each other via the same wirelessnetwork.

A remote amplifier (also known as a trunk mounted amplifier) normallyserves a simple purpose of amplifying and driving multiple speakers in avehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, a networked automotive server 314 mayinclude a quad amplifier IC 326 for driving speakers.

Network server 314 may include a digital signal processor (DSP) 328,which may be used to implement several functions to enhance the stereo(or multiple channel) audio signal coming from a radio tuner, CD, DVD,satellite, or iPOD audio source. The DSP may also be used to drivemultiple speakers to create an optimized surround sound experience. TheDSP may implement a fixed or programmable equalization (EQ), mixing,limiting the volume levels as required, and compression to avoiddistortion.

Most existing remote amplifiers use an analog connection for auni-directional audio transmission path from the head unit to the remoteamplifier due to the higher cost of digital networking interfaces.However, a digital path from the head unit to the remote amplifier mayprovide better performance because a digital connection is notsusceptible to external environmental noise or distortion. Such adigital path may be in the form of a network access node 330implementing a MOST, Firewire, Ethernet-AVB (Audio Video Bridging) orSony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) digital connection, for example.DSP 328 may allow for floating point signal processing, and may becapable of running TCP/IP stacks. In order to run TCP/IP stacks, DSP 328may have a processor speed of over 400 million instructions per second(MIPS).

Due to the high level of microprocessor performance and the high speednetwork between the head unit and the remote amplifier, the remoteamplifier may include a wireless receiver that includes WiFi, WiMAX,LTE, 3G (HSDPA) or other wireless data receiver technology. An advantageof having the wireless receiver in the trunk of the vehicle rather thanmore toward the front of the vehicle is that the wiring from thereceiver to a trunk mounted antenna may be more convenient to installand access, as well as shorter and less expensive. According to theinvention, the remote amplifier may be incorporated in an automotivenetwork server with wireless receivers. A ‘thin client” front displayand rear displays provide for interfacing and control by the user.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, DSP 328 is coupled to three antennas 316via a WiFi transceiver 332, a WiMAX transceiver 334, and an AM/FM tuner336, respectively. DSP 328 may be in communication with transceivers332, 334 via respective four-bit Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO)interface. DSP 328 may be in communication with AM/FM tuner 336 via abus operating on the Integrated Interchip Sound (I2S) electrical serialbus interface standard along with a General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)interface. DSP 328 may also be in communication with quad amplifier IC326 via a bus operating on the I2S electrical serial bus interfacestandard.

DSP 328 may be in communication with an iPOD 338 or other USB-compatibledevice via a bus operating on the Universal Serial Bus (USB)specification. DSP 328 may be in communication with synchronous dynamicrandom access memory (SDRAM) 340 via a 16- or 32-bit data bus, and maybe in communication with flash memory 342 via a 16-bit data bus. Acrystal oscillator 344 may provide a stable clock signal and/orstabilize frequencies for the radio receiver(s).

DSP 328 may be in communication with network access node 330 via aMiddleware Logical Bus (MLB) or Reduced Media Independent Interface(RMII) Application Programming Interface (API). Network access node 330,in turn, may be connected to the head unit, the front display and/or therear displays via a high speed vehicle bus.

Illustrated in FIG. 4 is one embodiment of a vehicle including anautomotive server arrangement 400 of the invention. Arrangement 400includes a network server 414 in communication with a head end unit 410via a high speed, bi-directional automotive network 413, such as MediaOriented Systems Transport (MOST), Firewire, or Ethernet, for example.Head end unit 410 may be disposed in a passenger compartment of thevehicle, and, in one embodiment, head end unit 410 is installed in thedashboard of the vehicle.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, network server 414 is disposed in atrunk 419 (indicated by dashed lines) of the vehicle, and antenna 416 isdisposed at a rear end 421 of the vehicle, rearward of network server414.

More generally, network server 414 may be disposed in relatively closeproximity to antenna 416 (e.g., network server 414 may be disposedwithin four feet of antenna 416) such that the wired connection betweennetwork server 414 and antenna 416 is relatively short (e.g., four feetlong or less) with all of the above-described advantages of highersignal quality and lower cost. In one embodiment, network server 414 isdisposed in-between head end unit 410 and antenna 416, therebyminimizing the total length of required wiring.

In the case of multiple antennas, the network server may be disposed ata location that substantially minimizes the total length of wiringrequired to connect the network server with each of the antennas, andpossibly to the head unit. More generally, the network server may bedisposed within the largest circle that can be defined by the networkserver and any two of the antennas, with the network server and each ofthe antennas being modeled for this purpose as being in a samehorizontal plane.

Even if the antenna(s) is/are placed in different locations on thevehicle, the network server may still be disposed in-between the headend unit and the antenna(s), and the network server may still bedisposed outside of the dashboard. For example, if the antenna isdisposed at front end 446 of the vehicle, then network server 414 may bedisposed forward of head end unit 410, in-between head end unit 410 andthe antenna. As another example, if the antenna is disposed on theoutside of roof 448 of the vehicle, then network server 414 may bedisposed above head end unit 410 on the inside of roof 448, in-betweenhead end unit 410 and the antenna.

Network server 414 includes a processor (not shown) for processing theaudio signals that the processor receives from antenna 416. In oneembodiment, antenna 416 receives and transmits wireless signals from andto the internet. The processor within network server 414 may operate ata speed of greater than 400 MIPS such that the processor is able to runTCP/IP stacks and bi-directionally communicate via the internet.

Network server 414 also includes an amplifier (not shown) for drivingaudio speakers 420 a-b. All of the components of network server 414 maybe disposed within a common housing 450. In particular, the processorand the amplifier of network server 414 may be disposed in a samehousing 450.

FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram of a method of providing infotainmentwithin a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. The method may be referred to by the reference number500 and may begin at block 502, wherein an infotainment head unit isprovided within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. For example, inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, an infotainment head unit 410 isprovided on a dashboard of the vehicle within arms length of the frontseat passengers. However, it is also possible for the head unit to beinstalled in other places within the passenger compartment, such asimmediately behind the front seat, within arms length of the rear seatpassengers.

At block, 504, an antenna is attached to a body of the vehicle. In someexemplary embodiments, the antenna is disposed in the front windshieldof the vehicle, or at some other place on the vehicle where the antennamay get good reception. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, antenna416 is attached at a rear end of the vehicle as shown.

At block 506, the antenna is used to wirelessly transmit and receivesignals in an internet-compatible format. In some exemplary embodiments,head unit 410 may exchange information with a web site via the internet.Thus, head unit 410 may create signals for wireless transmission byantenna 416 wherein the signals are in a format that is compatible withthe internet. Likewise, the signals received by antenna 416 frominternet-based sources may also be compatible with the internet, andhead unit 410 may be capable of processing such received signals. Forexample, head unit 410 may communicate with web sites that providenavigation information such as maps corresponding to the vehicle'scurrent location. That is, head unit 410 may wirelessly transmit thevehicle's current location to the web site, and the web site may respondby sending corresponding maps that are received by antenna 416 in theform of wireless signals.

At block 508, at least one audio speaker is provided in association withthe passenger compartment of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 4, thevehicle includes audio speakers 420 a-b. The outputs of speakers 420 a-bmay be pointed towards the passenger compartment so that the passengersin the compartment can best hear the output of the speakers.

At block 510, a network server is provided including a processor and anamplifier disposed within a common housing. In the embodiment of FIG. 3for example, network server 314 includes a digital signal processor(DSP) 328 and a quad amplifier IC 326. The processor and amplifier maybe placed in a same housing, such as housing 450 (FIG. 4).

At block 512, the network server is installed in a trunk of the vehicle.As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 4, network server 414 ismounted in a rear trunk 419 of the vehicle. Thus, network server 414 isdisposed in-between head unit 410 and antenna 416, and network server414 is within about four feet of antenna 416. Due to this relativelyshort wiring between network server 414 and antenna 416, the signalsexchanged between network server 414 and antenna 416 are likely toexperience only minimal degradation in transit. Moreover, the lengths ofwiring to head unit 410, which may be relatively expensive, may be alsominimized.

At block, 514, the amplifier of the network server is used to drive atleast one audio speaker. That is, quad amplifier IC 326 may amplifyaudio signals from the head unit and transmit the amplified signals tospeakers 420 a and 420 b so that the amplified audio signals may beplayed on the speakers. Moreover, microprocessor+DSP 328 may enhance aswell as amplify the audio signal sent to the speakers.

At block 516, the processor of the network server is connected to thehead unit via a high speed automotive network. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1, the DSP+microprocessor of network server 114 isconnected to a front display 112 of a head unit via a high speedautomotive network such as MOST, Firewire, or Ethernet-AVB.

At block 518, the processor of the network server is connected to theantenna. As shown in FIG. 4, network server 414 may be connected toantenna 416 via an antenna cable 452. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, networkservers 114, 214 may also be connected to respective antennas viarespective antenna cables 152, 252. As further shown in FIG. 3, amicroprocessor+DSP 328 controls (via SDIO Interface) a single chip WiFitransceiver connected to antenna(s) 316; to a single chip WiMAXtransceiver controlled via SDIO interface; and/or via an IS2+GPIO and anAM/FM tuner.

At block 520, the processor is used to run TCP/IP stacks forcommunicating via the internet, wherein the processor operates at aspeed of over 400 million instructions per second. Microprocessor+DSP328, for example, is able to run TCP/IP stacks and operates at a speedof over 400 million instructions per second. More generally, however, aprocessor within the scope of the invention may need to be able to runTCP/IP stacks and operate at a certain speed only to the extent thatsuch is needed to communicate via the internet. A processor within thescope of the invention may need to have the processing capabilitiesneeded to both enhance the audio for the amplifier and communicate viathe internet for other in-vehicle web-based applications.

A trunk-mounted amplifier has been described herein as providinginternet connectivity to the head end unit. However, it is to beunderstand that, within the scope of the invention, any remote modulewith sufficient processing power and a high-speed network (e.g., MOST,Firewire, Ethernet-AVB) to the head end unit could host the wirelessreceiver and provide data to/from the head end unit for the wirelessinternet connection. Sufficient processing power for responsive internetconnection may be provided, for example, by a CPU with a speed ofgreater than 400 MIPS.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However,it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limitedto the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automotive server arrangement, comprising: aninfotainment head unit disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle;an antenna associated with the vehicle; and a network server disposedin-between the head unit and the antenna, the network server including aprocessor and an amplifier, the amplifier being configured to drive atleast one audio speaker associated with the passenger compartment of thevehicle, the processor being coupled to the head unit and to theantenna.
 2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the antenna isconfigured to wirelessly transmit and receive signals in aninternet-compatible format.
 3. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is connected to the head unit via a high speed automotivenetwork.
 4. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to run TCP/IP stacks for communicating via an internet. 5.The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the processor has an operationalspeed of over 400 million instructions per second.
 6. The arrangement ofclaim 1, wherein the antenna is attached to a body of the vehicle. 7.The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured toenhance an audio signal used by the amplifier to drive the at least oneaudio speaker.
 8. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the processor andthe amplifier are disposed within a common housing.
 9. The arrangementof claim 1, wherein the network server is disposed at a location thatsubstantially minimizes a total length of wiring required to connect thenetwork server to the antenna and to the head unit.
 10. An automotiveserver arrangement, comprising: an infotainment head unit disposed in apassenger compartment of a vehicle; an antenna attached to a body of thevehicle and configured to wirelessly transmit and receive signals in aninternet-compatible format; and a network server disposed in a trunk ofthe vehicle and including a processor and an amplifier, the amplifierbeing configured to drive at least one audio speaker associated with thepassenger compartment of the vehicle, the processor being connected tothe head unit via a high speed automotive network, the processor beingconnected to the antenna.
 11. The arrangement of claim 10, wherein theprocessor is configured to enhance an audio signal used by the amplifierto drive the at least one audio speaker.
 12. The arrangement of claim10, wherein the network server is disposed in-between the head unit andthe antenna.
 13. The arrangement of claim 10, wherein the processor isconnected to the antenna via a WiFi transceiver or a WiMAX transceiver.14. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein a Secure Digital Input Outputinterconnects the processor and the transceiver.
 15. The arrangement ofclaim 10, wherein the processor and the amplifier are disposed within acommon housing.
 16. The arrangement of claim 10, wherein the processorhas an operational speed of over 400 million instructions per second.17. The arrangement of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured torun TCP/IP stacks for communicating via an internet.
 18. The arrangementof claim 10, wherein the network server is disposed at a location thatminimizes a total length of wiring required to connect the networkserver to the antenna.
 19. A method of providing infotainment within avehicle, comprising the steps of: providing an infotainment head unitwithin a passenger compartment of the vehicle; attaching an antenna to abody of the vehicle; wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals in aninternet-compatible format, the transmitting and receiving beingperformed by the antenna; providing a network server including aprocessor and an amplifier; installing the network server in a trunk ofthe vehicle; driving at least one audio speaker associated with thepassenger compartment of the vehicle, the driving being performed by theamplifier of the network server; connecting the processor of the networkserver to the head unit via a high speed automotive network; andconnecting the processor of the network server to the antenna.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the processor and the amplifier are disposedwithin a common housing, the method comprising the further step ofrunning TCP/IP stacks for communicating via an internet, the runningbeing performed by the processor, the processor operating at a speed ofover 400 million instructions per second.